Random Thoughts--Hurricane Edition

1978 Atlantic hurricane season (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To date, Hurricane Irma has damaged much of South Florida, the Keys and the Caribbean islands, causing millions to go without power for days and possibly weeks, and is on track to make this the most expensive hurricane season in American history.  Though the numbers could change by the time you see this, a total of at least 60 people have died because of Irma.

Before that, Hurricane Harvey struck southeastern Texas and Louisiana, leaving 71 dead and at least $70 billion in damages.  And Jose is currently spinning around in the Atlantic, unsure if it wants to wreak havoc on the east coast or just fizzle out.

So, after the storms go away, they leave behind a few things that need to be mentioned:

• After a major storm, who gets priority in getting the electricity back?  You would think nursing homes would be near the top of the list, especially in a place where even in September it is still hot and humid.  But on Wednesday, eight people died in a Broward County facility that had no power, thus no air conditioning.  Police there are investigating.
• They say politics makes strange bedfellows.  Perhaps that was why President Donald Trump made a deal with Democratic leaders in Congress to not only increase aid for Harvey (and maybe soon Irma), but also to take care of the debt ceiling so that the government can remain open until the end of the year.  Obviously, the Republicans aren't thrilled that a President of their own party would make such a deal with the other guys..  But Trump and the GOP aren't seeing eye to eye these days.  And any attempt at bipartisanship in a divided country is an unusual sight.
• Events like Harvey, Irma and wildfires in the west will do nothing but clarify that climate change is more than just a theory.  No, it's a reality.  But those who don't worship Al Gore will say "it's just weather", then move on with their lives.  They won't change unless they're forced to.
• In watching the destruction and misery following natural disasters like Hurricane Irma on TV, we usually say to ourselves "oh those poor people".  Well, those "poor people" chose to live in hurricane-prone areas on a peninsula of sand, with million-dollar mansions and condos with a great view of the ocean.  Once the wind and rain takes care of them, they can always be rebuilt.  Save your tears for those who don't have that kind of money, and whose lives will never be the same.
• Have you noticed that every TV network and advertisers like Walmart has been beseeching its viewers to part with their hard earned money to support disaster relief?  So-called non-profits like the American Red Cross (the go-to charity for Corporate America) have been accused of promising more than they could deliver when it came to blood donations or disaster relief.  If you must spend money on charities, choose one where ALL the money goes to the victims.  
• Can we have a moratorium on the use of the term 'first responders' when describing emergency personnel?  'First responders', which dates back to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, is such a politically-loaded term that belongs in the dustbin of history with the George W. Bush administration.  Just call them 'emergency workers'.
• Finally, if you're a TV reporter sent to cover a hurricane or other natural disaster. shouldn't you (A) wear enough protection that makes you look like a United Nations peacekeeper, and (B) stop lecturing your viewers on how dangerous it is outside while you're trying to stand in gale-force winds, butt-deep in flood waters?